Environmental Activists Seek to Save Trees Near Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Encourage Others to Speak at UF LVL Committee Meeting
Tomorrow morning, environmental activists organized by Friends of Natural Areas (FNA) intend to speak at the University of Florida Lakes, Vegetation and Landscaping (UF LVL) committee meeting.
UF LVL will discuss a project that would remove roughly 200 trees surrounding Ben Hill Griffin stadium if approved.
The meeting will occur Thursday, between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. at 245 Gale Lemerand Drive (Planning Design & Construction Conference Room, Stadium 225).
Although the committee lacks authority to directly approve the project, UF LVL is responsible for providing “recommendations concerning enforcement of policies regarding the removal of trees and other vegetation,” a university webpage states.
“UF is seeking to cut down over 200 trees around the football stadium, and they are planning some votes of approval this week,” FNA wrote in an email. “The public has a chance to weigh in, so please make your voice known!”
FNA encouraged supporters who cannot make it to email committee members directly. FNA indicated that it would be more beneficial to email committee participants who are labeled as a "member" rather than "liaison."
Contact Information for members of the UF LVL committee can be found by clicking on this page
FNA is relatively new as an organization. The group seeks to defend UF campus from environmental destruction.
A PowerPoint on the project says the trees would be removed to make room for “improvements.”
According to the project overview, “Preservation of several heritage live oaks along University Avenue and Gale Lemerand Drive will be prioritized. This includes preservation of 15 heritage live oaks up to 60” DBH. The project will result in the removal of 202 regulated trees. 37 of the proposed trees for removal are heritage trees. Not all tree removals will occur at the same time; however, this reflects the total impact over the duration of construction. Impacts are primarily within the north lawn, along Gale Lemerand + Stadium Road frontages, and within a parking area that will be converted to a Broadcast Compound.”
The total tree mitigation fee would amount to roughly $140,000 if the project is approved.
According to the powerpoint, the committee currently intends to "motion to forward the project" to UF Construction, Facilities & Real Estate Vice President Colt Little with a recommendation of approval.
